Statement on investigation of interest

January 23, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Auckland City Police have completed enquiries into a shoplifting in late 2024.

The shoplifting occurred at the Pak N Save in Royal Oak on 12 October 2024, and was reported to Police for investigation electronically using the Auror platform.

Police have carried out enquiries into the report and a decision has been made to not file charges.

Any Police investigation considers the Solicitor-General’s Guidelines for Prosecution, including factors such as evidential sufficiency and a public interest test.

In this case, Police have considered the public interest test was not met as well as taking other factors into account. The store has also been consulted on this decision.

For context, the item taken was valued at less than $40.

Given the subject of this complaint has not been charged with an offence, they are entitled to privacy and we are limited in further comment around a number of specifics.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

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New Public Advisory Committee on Disarmament and Arms Control

LiveNews Publisher

January 23, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced the new membership of the Public Advisory Committee on Disarmament and Arms Control (PACDAC), who will serve for a three-year term.
“The Committee brings together wide-ranging expertise relevant to disarmament. We have made six new appointments to the Committee and reappointed two existing members to ensure continuity,” says Mr Peters.
The new appointees are: international security lecturer and researcher Professor Bethan Greener; disarmament and arms control expert Dr Marianne Hanson; former New Zealand disarmament ambassador Dell Higgie; youth disarmament campaigner Olivia Shimasaki; nuclear testing and chemical weapons specialist Julian Tangaere; and international lawyer Angela Woodward, who has extensive experience working on verification issues related to nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.
“The two reappointments are Emeritus Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies Kevin Clements, and former New Zealand Army engineer and landmine clearance specialist Martin Donoghue.
“We welcome the new members and look forward to their advice and contribution.
“We thank the several outgoing members of the Committee for their contribution over the last three years: Mary Wareham, Jamila Homayan, Edwina Hughes, Ena Manuireva, and Lucy Stewart,” Mr Peters says.
PACDAC was established by the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament and Arms Control Act 1987 (the Act) and is chaired by Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Committee’s role is to advise the Minister of Foreign Affairs on disarmament and arms control issues, and to advise the Prime Minister on implementation of the Act.
The Committee also funds projects and scholarships advancing disarmament education and promoting peace, arms control and disarmament, and makes grants to non-government organisations implementing the 2002 United Nations Study on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Education.

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Asian Stationery & Office Products Online Exhibition 2025 Grand Opening

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January 23, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 January 2025 -The Asian Stationery & Office Products Online Exhibition 2025 (ASOP 2025) is set to redefine the stationery and office products industry with its innovative hybrid format, seamlessly blending virtual and physical elements. Scheduled to run from January 23, 2025, to July 4, 2025, the exhibition provides an unparalleled opportunity for Asian suppliers, importers, and exporters to connect, collaborate, and showcase their brands on a global scale.

Jointly organized by AsianNet and TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com), ASOP has delivered exceptional results since its inception in 2022, attracting international buyers and generating significant business opportunities. The 2025 edition promises to be even more expansive, with a six-month exhibition period strategically aligned with major international events, including Paperworld India, Designed Giftionery Taiwan, China (Shenzhen) International Gifts & Homeware Fair, Hong Kong International Stationery Fair, China Stationery Fair (CSF) 2025, and ISOT Tokyo 2025. This alignment creates a synergistic platform for global buyers, facilitating convenient comparisons and streamlined purchasing experiences.

ASOP 2025 has already secured the participation of numerous esteemed Taiwanese suppliers, including industry leaders such as FRLEND CHLU, ELASTIN INTERNATIONAL, HIGHGRADE TECH, FLYWELL INTERNATIONAL and ACE DRAGON. These exhibitors will present their latest innovations across a diverse range of categories, including: Art & Craft, Art & Drafting Supply, Bags, Binding & Cutting, Computer Accessory & Peripheral, Computer Input Device, Desk Supply, Educational Supply, Festival & Party Supply, Gift & Gift Set, Gift Packaging & Accessory, Office Equipment, Office Furniture, Office Kitchen, Office Stationery, Paper & Paper Product, Paper Machinery, Printer Supply, Promotional Product, Publishing Supply, Writing Supply. With thousands of innovative stationery and office products, along with practical accessories and solutions on display, ASOP 2025 promises a comprehensive, engaging, and highly focused experience tailored to the needs of buyers and professionals in the stationery and office supplies industry.

ASOP 2025 Online Exhibition：
https://www.etradeasia.com/online-show/36/Asian-Stationery-Office-Products-Online-Exhibition-2025.html

In response to the evolving landscape of international trade, ASOP 2025 offers an array of virtual solutions to ensure accessibility and global reach. These include dedicated exhibitor pages, electronic catalogs, and immersive virtual exhibition halls—all seamlessly integrated with TradeAsia. Buyers can explore products, initiate inquiries, and engage in procurement discussions in real time, eliminating geographical barriers and travel constraints.

Founded in 1997, TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com) is a premier B2B international trade platform, serving as a vital link between global buyers and suppliers. With millions of registered members, over 600,000 suppliers, and a vast catalog of products, TradeAsia is a trusted resource for businesses seeking to expand their international presence. By fostering collaborations with hundreds of trading entities worldwide, TradeAsia amplifies visibility and marketing impact for its members, providing a competitive edge in the global market.

With its extended duration and comprehensive platform, ASOP 2025 is poised to be the most influential event for the stationery and office products industry in Asia. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with leading suppliers and explore the latest innovations.

Hashtag: #TradeAsia

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Mining Sector – PM flags mining as critical to economic growth – Straterra

LiveNews Publisher

January 23, 2025

Source: Straterra Inc

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon correctly identified the bigger role mining can play in New Zealand’s economic growth in his State of the Nation speech today, says Straterra chief executive Josie Vidal.

“It is great to see this Government listening to the mining sector and showing a clear understanding of its value to the economy in terms of jobs and investment in communities, as well as export earnings,” Vidal says.

“Mining is an integral part of our productive economy and with the Government’s approach to removing unnecessary red tape for businesses, as well as enabling overseas investment in capital intensive industries such as mining, we are optimistic we can kick the goal of doubling mining exports by 2035 right out of the park.

“The Prime Minister is correct in outlining how important mining is for a high-tech future with diverse energy sources. He said, ‘ the minerals sector will be critical for our climate transition – EVs, solar panels, and data centres aren’t made out of thin air. I want to see mining employ more Kiwis and power more growth in the economy and I’m adamant we must take further steps to make that a reality’.

“The Prime Minister shows tremendous insight into how we can grow the New Zealand economy by saying yes, not finding every possible roadblock to say no to mining.

“As he notes, regions like Taranaki and the West Coast have big economic opportunities with higher wages, support for local business and families, and more investment in local infrastructure on the back of mining. It is false to say all the profits from mining go offshore; the money earned in mining communities stays in those communities and a lot goes into community good.

“Resources Minister Shane Jones has been a champion for the industry, and we thank him for the many discussions he has with his Ministerial colleagues and the Prime Minister to get us to this point.”

Straterra is the industry association representing New Zealand’s minerals and mining sector.

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Weather News – A wet weekend in store – MetService

LiveNews Publisher

January 23, 2025

Source: MetService

Covering period of Thursday 23 – Monday 27 January – Rain and hot, muggy nights are the theme for the start of Auckland Anniversary Weekend, but MetService is forecasting a return to sunny weather for the extra day off on Monday.

Clear skies are in store for the North Island today (Thursday), with temperatures forecast in the high 20s; Masterton and Taumarunui have forecast highs of 29 °C.

A band of rain, preceded by a southerly change, spreads north over the South Island today as a cold front traverses the island. A few flashes of lightning are possible for the west coast and parts of Otago and Canterbury with the rain, with the front forecast to fizzle out by the time it reaches the top of the South Island tonight.

The southerly change brings a drop in temperatures for the South Island. While Blenheim has a forecast high of 30 °C today, tomorrow (Friday) temperatures are forecast to only reach 20 °C. Behind the front, Gore has a forecast high of 15 °C today, with overnight temperatures forecast to dip to 6 °C in the south.

MetService meteorologist Ngaire Wotherspoon comments, “The remnants of the cold front tomorrow will bring a few showers to southern North Island areas, accompanied by a slight dip in temperatures, but conditions further north remain fine and warm before deteriorating this weekend.”

As we head into Auckland Anniversary weekend, a low-pressure system approaches Aotearoa New Zealand from the northwest. Widespread rain and strong northerly winds develop for central and northern parts of the country on Saturday, continuing into Sunday as the low crosses the North Island.

West Tasman is likely to experience the highest rainfall accumulations through the weekend, highlighted in the MetService Severe Weather Outlook (http://bit.ly/SWOutlook). Further south, rain will be widespread in western regions on Saturday, easing on Sunday as the bulk of the rain moves east.

Saturday night will be hot and muggy for the North Island, with overnight lows of 16 to 19 °C, and Sunday night isn’t looking much cooler.

“Monday is the day to be out and about for regions observing Auckland Anniversary Day, as the low moves away and skies clear. A strong southerly flow keeps a lid on temperatures to start, but winds weaken as the day progresses,” says Wotherspoon.

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BusinessNZ – Hitting the science reset button

LiveNews Publisher

January 23, 2025

Source: BusinessNZ

BusinessNZ welcomes the Government’s announcement effectively ‘resetting’ the science system to deliver better economic growth and productivity for New Zealand.

Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard also welcomes the announcement regarding a special “one stop shop” agency for foreign investment.

“These are policy improvements we have advocated for, so we are pleased to see action on reprioritising of taxpayer investment.”

Beard says New Zealand has previously invested far less in innovation (1.47% of GDP in 2021) than the rest of the OECD average (2.74%) and that there is a strong correlation between high performing economies and investment on innovation.

“Businesses have been faced with a complex system that is hard to navigate across various pots of funding, and crown research institutions were competing on overlapping projects.

“The simplification of the system and the change to allow creators of intellectual property to keep some of the value should be a welcome incentive.

“BusinessNZ looks forward to working with Ministers and the research science and innovation sector to get our research brains and business sector better connected and producing more export returns for NZ.”

BusinessNZ’s paper on overseas investment and research science and innovation can be found on our website: businessnz.org.nz

The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

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Govt Cuts – Axing of Callaghan Innovation, loss of 500 jobs already makes mockery of latest reform

LiveNews Publisher

January 23, 2025

Source: PSA

New science plan exposes chaotic nature of restructuring to date – It’s hard to have confidence in the Government’s latest science strategy when it comes with no promise of new funding or a commitment to retaining the current workforce.

The long overdue science reform strategy promises another huge restructure on top of the restructure endured by science agencies to date, creating more uncertainty and worry for thousands of science workers.

“Our heart goes out to staff at Callaghan Innovation who have already endured a long restructure and now face an uncertain future with the agency to be scrapped entirely,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, Acting National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi. “Their work is valued and important no matter what the Government says.”

“It’s ironic that just over a decade ago it was a National-led government that launched Callaghan Innovation, with the then PM John Key praising the late Sir Paul Callaghan for his belief that ‘science could make New Zealand a better place’.

“Just last year, the Government rushed to axe the jobs of around 500 scientists and researchers across various agencies, many of whom have been forced to uproot their lives and go offshore where their skills are valued.

“Now it wants to deliver this latest reform quickly – it’s just a recipe for more chaos and uncertainty.

“The Government puts much store on the role of science in driving economic growth and productivity, but is promising no new funding and there is no commitment to retain our existing scientists, lab workers and researchers.

“It is yet another example we have seen throughout the public service where agencies are being told by this Government that they have to do more with less. It makes no sense and won’t work.”

“Countries around the world that perform well are the very ones that invest in science, and value the people who do the work. Yet we have lost so many of brightest offshore because of the irresponsible decisions to date.

“The PSA urges the Government to have the voice of scientists and researchers on the Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council as it’s workers who know what will work. It needs to do better at properly respecting the vital role they play in growing the economy and helping us meet our challenges.”

Past PSA statements on science cuts

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Business – Picton Marina receives prestigious Superyacht accreditation

LiveNews Publisher

January 23, 2025

Source: Port Marlborough

Port Marlborough and Marlborough Sounds Marinas are proud to announce that Picton Marina has achieved “Superyacht Ready” accreditation and “Gold Anchor” status from the Marina Industry Association (MIA Australia)

This accreditation highlights Marlborough Sounds Marinas’ dedication to providing world-class facilities and exceptional service for superyacht guests, captains, and crew, and follows the “International Clean Marinas” certification for environmental excellence, received last July through MIA and ICOMIA – the International Council of Marine Industry Associations.

The ‘Superyacht Ready’ accreditation is designed to assist superyacht captains and owners in identifying marinas equipped with the necessary infrastructure, security measures, and services to safely and adequately berth superyachts. To be eligible for this accreditation, Picton Marina first participated in MIA’s Global Gold Anchor program and met specific criteria related to infrastructure suitability, accessibility, security, and service availability.

Marlborough Sounds Marinas Manager, Anouk Euzeby, highlighted the importance of the accreditation, saying:

“This achievement strengthens our ability to position Marlborough as a premier international destination for superyachts in the Southern Hemisphere.With world-class infrastructure, secure facilities, and exceptional marina support services, combined with our location in the heart of some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery and renowned attractions, Marlborough is a must-visit for superyachts in the region.

We have already welcomed several prestigious vessels so far this year, and with this new accreditation, our team looks forward to hosting even more superyachts in Marlborough in the near future.”

To support visiting Superyachts, Picton Marina has developed a comprehensive guide, offering detailed information about the marina’s facilities and promoting the Marlborough region. This resource promotes regional experiences suited to superyacht clientele and ensures visitors can make the most of their stay. Superyacht visits to Picton Marina provide a welcome boost to the local economy. Guests often explore the region’s attractions, from wine tours and scenic walks to dining at local restaurants. At the same time, crews access marine services for reprovisioning and maintenance, ensuring their vessels are ready for the next stage of their journey. These visits support a wide range of businesses across Marlborough.

Located in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds, Picton Marina offers:

-Berthing Capacity: Picton Marina accommodates vessels up to 50 metres in length and 500GRT. Larger vessels can be accommodated at Port Marlborough’s facilities.

-Security Measures: 24/7 monitored CCTV and gated pier access ensure a secure environment for vessels and crew.-Top-tier amenities, including power, water, and waste facilities, to ensure a seamless experience.

-Proximity to Marlborough’s premiere attractions: such as the Queen Charlotte Track and world-class cellar doors and vineyards.

About Marlborough Sounds Marinas

Marlborough Sounds Marinas is New Zealand’s largest marina operator, comprising a network of three marinas- Picton, Waikawa, and Havelock, with all situated in the stunning Marlborough Sounds. The marinas provide comprehensive marina services, including berthing, haul-out, and maintenance facilities to local and visiting boat owners. With a strong focus on customer service, environmental sustainability, and community engagement, Marlborough Sounds Marinas is dedicated to setting the standard for excellence in the marina industry and providing exceptional services and facilities to the boating community they serve.

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ACT welcomes innovation changes to better serve taxpayers and growth

LiveNews Publisher

January 23, 2025

Source: ACT Party

ACT is welcoming a renewed economic focus for the science and innovation sector, including the abolition of Callaghan Innovation.

“ACT has long advocated for abolishing Callaghan Innovation, which effectively gambled with taxpayer money and was responsible for a litany of failed investments in ventures that delivered little more a than a few photo-ops for politicians,” says ACT Science and Innovation spokesperson Dr Parmjeet Parmar.

Functions of Callaghan Innovation will now be either disestablished or folded into other parts of the government, with ‘an increased focus on economic outcomes’.

“ACT expects that any ongoing innovation grants will be closely monitored for performance,” says Dr Parmar. “In fact, we say that if a scientific venture has an obvious commercial application, it should not be supported by the taxpayer and instead seek investment from the private sector.

“ACT also welcomes moves to bolster intellectual property so scientists reap more of the proceeds of their own research. A property rights framework is the best way to celebrate our brightest scientists while incentivising them to pursue high-value research that grows the economy.

“The merger of underperforming Crown Research Institutes is a good move, as in some cases there was wasteful duplication of activity. Having taxpayers own both Metservice and NIWA, which competed against each other, was absurd.

“A more complex challenge will be to ensure the new Public Research Organisations collaborate with the private sector. Private businesses should feel free to approach these organisations for assistance with innovation, without having to fear their ideas will be taken by what is in some ways a taxpayer-funded competitor.”

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Dive into the long weekend with Safeswim

LiveNews Publisher

January 23, 2025

Source: Auckland Council

Safeswim is ready for a safe and fun summer this long weekend in Auckland.

Enjoying the summer with Safeswim: your guide to safe swimming in Auckland

As summer continues Auckland’s beaches remain the heartbeat of the season, a haven for picnics, swims, and sun-soaked memories. But as you pack your beach bag and head for the shore, don’t forget to check one essential tool for your summer adventures: Safeswim

Safeswim is your one-stop destination for the latest information on water quality, swimming conditions, and surf lifeguard patrols at Auckland’s beaches. Operated by Auckland Council in partnership with Surf Life Saving New Zealand, Watercare, and Drowning Prevention Auckland, Safeswim is the award-winning programme that empowers beachgoers to make informed decisions. Whether you’re planning to dive into the surf, wade along the shore, or simply enjoy a day by the sea, Safeswim gives you the information you need to decide when and where to swim.

Check water quality, temperature and conditions before you leave home

While Auckland’s beaches are generally pristine, there may be times when the water is not suitable for swimming. Rainfall can wash contaminants from urban areas into waterways, while infrastructure issues like wastewater overflows may temporarily affect water quality. These factors can increase the risk of illness for swimmers.

Safeswim uses advanced predictive models and real-time data to forecast water quality at each beach, helping you make informed decisions about when and where to swim. With updates every 15 minutes, the platform displays colour-coded pins on an interactive map to indicate water quality and the risk of illness from swimming.

Regular water quality sampling is also an important part of the programme and helps validate and improve the performance of models. Look for the Safeswim sampling team across the region this summer.

Understanding the pin colours

A green pin means the water quality is good while a red pin means the water quality is not suitable for swimming and there may be higher risk of illness—swimming is not advised. A black pin means you should avoid the water as there is an active wastewater overflow in the area.

A yellow diamond pin indicates a safety warning is in place. Some of the hazards could include strong currents, large breaking waves, sharks or even jellyfish.

Safe swimming

Over the last few weeks swimmers along Auckland’s east coast have reported itching and rashes / red spots after being in the water. Sea bather’s eruption is an itchy rash of the covered skin that appears soon after swimming in the sea, caused by stings from the nematocysts (stinging cells) of certain sea anemones and thimble jellyfish. The tiny animals become trapped in bathing suits or in the hair of the bather. Most cases of sea bather’s eruption occur during the summer when the water temperature is warmer. We advise swimmers to change out of swimwear as soon as possible and shower with fresh water after coming out of the water.

Check Safeswim

Swimming conditions and water quality can change. By regularly checking Safeswim, you can confidently plan your day at the beach.

Simply go to the Safeswim website or download the app and use the map to locate your favourite spot. You can also type in the name of the beach you are looking for into the search box.

When you click on a particular beach, you’ll find helpful information such as the weather forecast, water temperature and potential hazards such as large waves, strong currents or large drop-offs in the water. Tide times are handy to know if you’re heading out on a walk where you can only cross a path at low tide.

Find the safest place: always swim where lifeguards can keep you safe

While the beach is New Zealand’s favourite playground, it can also be a dangerous place. So, choose a lifeguarded beach and always swim between the red and yellow flags. In 2023/24, surf lifeguards saved 893 lives across New Zealand, and no one drowned while swimming between the flags. You can easily find out which beaches have surf lifeguards on the Safeswim website by clicking on the ‘See lifeguarded’ red and yellow flag icon. But note that surf lifeguards are not on duty all the time.

Know how to float

Ensure the family know how to float. Being able to float increases your chances of survival and is the first thing you should do if caught in a rip. If you or someone in your family doesn’t know how to float well, practice or get lessons in a pool before you head to the beach.

Sign up for one of Auckland Council’s Pools and Leisure Learn to Swim classes for adults and children if you don’t know how to swim or you’re not confident in the water. And if you do get caught in a rip or a strong current, don’t panic.

Stay calm, relax and float instead of trying to swim back to shore. Raise your hand for help and ride the rip until it stops, and you can swim back to shore, or it circulates and brings you back into shallower waters.

Take care of others: don’t take your eyes off the kids.

Always keep a close eye on children in and near the water. Drowning can happen quickly and silently, so stay focused, avoid distractions, and keep young ones within arm’s reach, even in shallow water.

If in doubt, stay out

Waves can be bigger than they look; dangerous rip currents are hard to spot and weather conditions can be unpredictable. If you feel uncomfortable about getting into the water, stay out. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Too many people get into trouble in the water because they overestimate their abilities and underestimate the conditions.

Know how to get help

If someone in the water is in trouble and surf lifeguards are on patrol, let them know.  If you can’t see any surf lifeguards, call 111 and ask for police. Police have a direct line to surf lifeguards and others who can help.

More information on beach safety information from Surf Life Saving New Zealand can be found here.

Additionally, don’t let children play, paddle, or swim in urban streams, stormwater pipes, or near stormwater outlets on the beach. The water from these outlets is likely to be contaminated even if it looks clean.

There are many good reasons to decide with Safeswim. So before diving in at the beach this summer, take a moment to visit safeswim.org.nz or download the mobile app to get the latest water quality, swimming conditions, and surf lifeguard patrol times.

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